Plan Around the Weather
Dutch weather is mild but changeable, and rain is possible in any month. Summer daytime temperatures are usually around 20 to 23°C, with occasional hotter spells. Winter days are typically around 5 to 7°C, often grey and windy. Spring and autumn sit in between and can change within an hour.
The practical result is that the same few items matter all year: a waterproof layer, shoes that cope with wet streets, and clothes you can add or remove. Check the forecast a few days before you leave and adjust the warm layers, but always pack the rain gear.
Clothing for Adults and Children
- Waterproof jackets with hoods for everyone. Wind often makes umbrellas awkward, especially on the coast and on bikes, so a hood is more useful.
- Layers: T-shirts, a long-sleeved top and a fleece or jumper per person cover most days outside midsummer.
- Rain trousers or a children's rain suit if you plan to cycle or spend time outdoors with young children.
- A warm hat and gloves from October to April, particularly for the coast.
- Swimwear in summer for the beach, and year-round if you plan to visit indoor swimming pools or holiday parks.
Dutch dress is casual. There is no general dress code for churches or museums, so pack for comfort rather than formality.
Shoes for Cobbles and Long Walks
Old town centres have brick and cobbled streets, and a city day often adds up to many kilometres. Bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes with good grip for everyone, ideally water-resistant. A second pair lets wet shoes dry overnight. Avoid new shoes on the trip; blisters are the most common avoidable problem on family city breaks.
Travelling With Small Children
- Stroller: A compact, foldable model is easiest. Trams, buses and trains have space for strollers, and most stations have lifts, but older buildings, canal-house museums and some shops have steep stairs.
- Carrier: A baby carrier is handy for steep canal-house stairs and busy markets.
- Snacks and water: Useful for train journeys; supermarkets near stations make it easy to restock.
- Bike seats: If you plan to rent bikes, many rental shops offer child seats, trailers or cargo bikes. Ask when booking.
- Safety near water: Canals in cities usually have no railings, so keep small children close.
Electronics and Documents
- Plug adapter: The Netherlands uses type C and F sockets at 230 volts. Visitors from the UK, US and many other countries need an adapter; check that devices accept 230 V.
- Power bank: Useful for long days using maps and transport apps.
- Contactless bank card: Card payment is standard, including on public transport, where you can tap in and out with a contactless card or phone. Carry a little cash for small market stalls.
- Documents: Passports or ID cards for everyone, travel insurance details, and, for EU visitors, a European Health Insurance Card.
What You Can Buy There
You do not need to pack for every eventuality. Supermarkets such as Albert Heijn and Jumbo, and drugstores (drogisterij) such as Kruidvat and Etos, sell nappies, baby food, sunscreen, plasters and basic medicines. For prescription medicines or advice, go to a pharmacy (apotheek). Bring enough of any prescription medication for the whole trip, in its original packaging.
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, so a refillable bottle for each person saves money and plastic.
A Short Checklist
- Waterproof jacket with hood, per person
- Layers: T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a fleece or jumper
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, plus a spare pair
- Rain trousers or a rain suit for children who will be outside a lot
- Hat and gloves (October to April); sunscreen and sunhat (May to September)
- Compact stroller or baby carrier
- Plug adapters (type C/F) and a power bank
- Contactless bank card, some cash, passports and insurance details
- Refillable water bottles
- Prescription medicines in original packaging
